Hubballi: In a major crackdown against corruption, Lokayukta officials have trapped a high-ranking officer. Bharat Hegde, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the Commercial Tax Department, was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹6 lakh. The operation was executed by a special team of Lokayukta police who flew in from Bengaluru to conduct the raid at the Commercial Tax office located near Navanagar in Hubballi.

The Dispute: A Demand to Settle GST Dues

The case stems from a complaint filed by Vishwanath Nayak, a local petrol bunk and truck owner.

* The Notice: Nayak had been served a notice by the Commercial Tax Department demanding a Goods and Services Tax (GST) payment of approximately ₹60 lakh.

* The Bribe Demand: To reduce this heavy tax amount or waive the payment, DC Bharat Hegde allegedly demanded a massive bribe of ₹10 lakh from Nayak.

* The Complaint: Distressed by this corrupt demand, Vishwanath Nayak approached the Lokayukta police in Bengaluru and lodged a formal complaint.

The Lokayukta Trap

Acting swiftly on the complaint, the Bengaluru Lokayukta team laid a careful trap at the Navanagar office in Hubballi. As Nayak went to deliver the first installment of ₹6 lakh today, the Lokayukta officials swooped in. Bharat Hegde was caught red-handed with the bribe money and taken into custody immediately.

Case File at a Glance

Details | Information

Accused Officer | Bharat Hegde (DC, Commercial Tax)

Complainant | Vishwanath Nayak (Petrol Bunk Owner)

Bribe Amount | ₹10 Lakh demanded (Trapped while taking ₹6 Lakh)

Location | Commercial Tax Office, Navanagar, Hubballi

Investigation Underway

Following the arrest, the Lokayukta police have seized several crucial documents from the Commercial Tax office for verification. The team is currently continuing its interrogation and investigation at the premises. Lokayukta officials have reiterated their appeal to the general public to immediately report any government official demanding a bribe to execute official work.